Keynote #1
Prof. Dr. Hirut Woldemariam Teketel
Professor of Linguistics, she/her
Hirut Woldemariam is a Professor of Linguistics at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia and serves as Under-Secretary-General at Organization of Southern Cooperation. A distinguished scholar, academic leader, and former cabinet minister, she has held leadership positions ranging from Department Head and Vice President of AAU to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, and Minister of Science and Higher Education of Ethiopia. A member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, she is widely recognized for her contributions to linguistics, higher education, leadership, innovation, and women’s empowerment.
Hirut Woldemariam received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from the University of Oslo in 2021.
Keynote #1: From Breaking Barriers to Building Bridges
Women as Leaders, Innovators, and Nation Builders in the 21st Century
Women’s empowerment is not only a matter of equality but a catalyst for innovation, sustainable development, and social transformation. Drawing on experiences in academia, government, and international development, this keynote explores how education, leadership, and mentorship enable women to become agents of change. It highlights the role of universities and institutions in creating inclusive opportunities and calls for building ecosystems that empower women to lead, innovate, and shape the future of their communities, nations, and the world.